The Center for Alternative Education (CAE), located in Port Ewen, offers a middle school program as an alternative academic path for students who are experiencing failure and frustration in their home schools. Benefits of the program include smaller classes and individual attention, which provide better opportunities for students to successfully complete required courses. Related Services can be added to this program.
A secondary educational program is also available and is designed to encourage students to remain in school. Students have the opportunity to achieve academic success through multi-model approaches to learning. A career exploration component increases student motivation,achievement, and readiness for post-high school employment. In addition to an enhanced secondary education curriculum, remediation is provided as needed.Counseling is available when needed.
Teenagers whose educational progress is interrupted by pregnancy or parenting responsibilities are encouraged to participate fully in the Center for Alternative Education’s programs where they can complete course work toward a Regents diploma. A childcare center is on site to provide daycare for these students’ infants and toddlers at no cost to districts.
The Center for Alternative Education’s primary objectives are to increase the number of students staying in school, improve attendance, reduce the number of suspensions, and increase the passing rate in academic classes. Daily attendance is carefully monitored, and dropout statistics are compiled. Students are evaluated daily by staff. Five-week progress reports and quarterly report cards are provided to parents and home school personnel. Related Services can be added to this program.
Career and Technical Education Component
All ninth and tenth grade students enrolled in the CAE participate in career exploration classes. Students are introduced to a variety of career options and learn necessary skills for success in the workforce. In the tenth grade, students will select one cluster to focus on. Finally, in eleventh and twelfth grades, all students choose to specialize in a career area at the Career & Technical Center. Work experience and career preparation activities and programs are available to all students, as well as Career & Technical morning or afternoon sessions. Students also receive individual and career counseling education.